In today's economy, the only certain thing is uncertainty. Small business owners need help to keep up with rapidly changing markets, technologies, and customer preferences - leaving them feeling overwhelmed and out of control. When you throw rising inflation, energy, and business costs into the mix, we could see a significant drop in the number of active small businesses.

Ken Cox
Ken Cox Ken Cox

According to a recent Digital.com survey, "65% of small businesses say it's 'very likely' or 'likely' they'll permanently close if inflation continues at its current rate," and "38% of small businesses facing closure plan to lay off employees to stay afloat."

While businesses' struggles and rise and fall are natural and inevitable, Hostirian's president Ken Cox explains these numbers are very concerning. It has never been more critical to help small business owners than now. If too many SMEs close without new ones to replace them, the whole economy could also come crashing down and burn.

"Small businesses are the backbone of any economy, so it is very important for them to have the support they need now more than ever," he says. "If they have difficulty getting the tools and advice to grow their businesses and unlock their potential, we could find ourselves in an unprecedented crisis."

With that in mind, Ken Cox shares his insight on how small business owners can unlock their maximum potential and thrive in any economy. With more than 20 years of success in the software, SaaS, telecom, and e-commerce industries, he is certainly a valuable asset for companies looking to gain an edge.

According to Ken Cox, focusing on customer service, operations, and marketing strategy is the key to unlocking a small business's full potential. "These three areas are essential for any business to succeed in today's ever-changing environment."

Cox emphasizes that customer service should be at the forefront of any successful business model. "Your customers should always come first," he says. "You have to make sure you're providing them with the best possible experience every time they interact with your company."

He suggests three key steps to ensure customers have the best possible experience. Firstly, he advocates for open and proactive communication with customers, offering timely support and feedback on their inquiries. Secondly, he encourages businesses to invest in innovative technologies and digital tools to streamline customer service and enable customers to access the services they need faster. Lastly, he suggests that companies should be willing to go above and beyond for their customers - from offering free shipping or discounts to providing extra support.

Cox also highlights the importance of operations in a small business's success. He believes an efficient operational infrastructure is essential to drive growth and long-term success. He suggests building out processes, automating tasks that can be automated, and delegating as much as possible to free up time for the business owners and their teams so they can focus on what matters - growing the business.

Finally, Cox emphasizes the importance of having a well-thought-out marketing strategy. "You have to understand who you're targeting, what they want and need, and how you can reach them," he says. He suggests businesses should create content that resonates with their audiences, leveraging digital tools like social media, email campaigns, and search engine optimization (SEO) to reach their target customers.

As an extension of his mission to help both existing and aspiring entrepreneurs learn more about running a successful small business, Cox hosts "Clicks and Bricks" - a weekly podcast where he explores various entrepreneurship-related topics that can help small business owners unlock their maximum potential and succeed no matter the economic climate.

He dives deep into sales strategy, M&A activity, and how to leverage resources for growth best. His podcast provides invaluable advice about staying ahead of the competition while maintaining profitability.

In addition to his podcast episodes filled with actionable tips from industry professionals worldwide, Ken also offers consultations with aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start or expand existing businesses.

His extensive knowledge of compliance, marketing campaigns, sales strategy, and M&A activity, paired with his passion for helping others, gives him a unique ability to provide valuable insights into what it takes to run a successful small business in today's market.

By listening to Ken Cox's podcast "Clicks and Bricks" and scheduling a one-on-one consultation with him directly, small business owners can access invaluable advice to unlock their full potential and thrive in any economy.

As Ken says himself: "I'm passionate about helping others reach their goals - whether it's launching a new venture or scaling an existing one - I want them all to be wildly successful. With the right tools, support, and guidance, they can weather any storm and come out ahead."